Jack Grealish fulfils Harry Redknapp pre-game praise in Man City win vs Southampton

Harry Redknapp heaped praise on 'favourite player' Jack Grealish for the effect he is now having on games - plaudits the Manchester City winger duly fulfilled in Saturday's 4-1 win over Southampton.

Grealish was central to City's success on the south coast, producing another Man of the Match display as the Blues heaped more pressure on Arsenal. The 27-year-old netted his fourth goal of the season just before the hour mark, stabbing home a rebound from his own shot after driving into the Saints box.

And the former Aston Villa man was influential 10 minutes later, setting up Erling Haaland for an incredible overhead kick to net his second and City's third. Another performance brimming with confidence saw Grealish at his direct best, justifying the praise handed to him by Redknapp before kick-off.

RATINGS: Haaland and Grealish great in win vs Southampton

“What a talent… Jack Grealish," Redknapp told Sky Sports before the game. "I love watching him. He’s probably my favourite player in the league to watch.

“When he gets it, things happen. He can do something special for you. What ability he’s got, and now he’s adding everything to his game. He’s making goals, scoring goals, working back. His attitude has been first-class. Top, top player.”

That's two goals and two assists in his last two games, with Grealish quickly becoming one of the first names on Pep Guardiola's team sheet. The wide-man has found the balance between the manager's exacting demands and his own individuality.

Speaking after his goal and assist against Liverpool last weekend, Grealish admitted he is loving football at the moment: "I love football and I love playing, I love training, and when it’s going well and stuff like this there’s nothing better."

RE